admin Some of us have always wanted to work from home but never had the opportunity. Now it is here but are struggling to stay focused and motivated. Having the kids home does not make it any easy, but implementing a structure will definitely easy the stress . Here are a few tips how to stay focused and motivated whilst working from home.
1. Create a routine
Working from bed and in your pajamas does not really do any help to your motivation and productivity. Act as if you were going to work, the only difference is that you have more flexibility. Therefore, if you are a morning person wake up early. Your hours do not necessarily have to be from 0900am – 500pm, however make sure you are available when the rest of the team is available. In order to stay productive and focused you need a structure. The same applies for kids. Establish your structure and adapt your kids routine accordingly. It does not mean that it would be perfect all the time, but it definitely helps. During your work hours, include activities that require minimal supervision. Check out my blog post about how I organize my day.
2. Designate a workspace
Have a designated workspace, which does not necessarily have to be a room – a desk/table and a chair is sufficient. Do not try to mix personal and professional responsibilities throughout the day. If you are trying to do the laundry and paying your bills, it will take you more time to finish your work tasks. It is important to hide your phone, as if you were at the office, to avoid going into the whirlpool of social media.
Have enough space you can monitor your children, should they need help with their work. If you are working on a dining room table, your children can carry out school work or another activity on the same table.
3. Get Dressed and take a shower
This may sound obvious, but as the days go by you may start slacking. You don’t need to dress as you would have been expected you to dress at the office, but what is important is that you wear normal clothes (not pajamas). Taking a shower will help you feel refreshed.
4. Prioritize your tasks and have them visible
Just like when at the office you had priorities, whether yearly, monthly or daily these should not change whilst working from home. Knowing what needs to be done, will make it easier.
5. Have a detailed to-do list
Have a detailed to-do list both for personal and professional tasks. Schedule each item that you have to do such as take a shower, have breakfast, call client, check emails etc. As you struck off each task you feel motivated and ready to conquer the other tasks.
6. Take regular breaks
It is healthy to take regular breaks during your day, just like when at the office you stop for a coffee break. You need to move your body or take a snack. Maybe you need to check something for your child or help build a toy. Do whatever works for you, as long as you move away for a few minutes from your laptop.
7. Lunch Break
Food fuels your body to work better, however having to stop to prepare lunch or decide what you are going to eat. It is best to prepare your lunch beforehand or order a take out and have it delivered to your home. In that matter, when you stop for lunch break you just eat and continue working.
8. CLOSING YOUR DAY
Whilst working from home, you can easily end up working more, but you need to have a balance. This would not be health, so establish a time when you would stop working and create a routine, such as preparing the to-do list for the following day. It is important to be present for your family and take some time for self care.
I hope that these tips have helped you to stay focused and motivated whilst working from home. It is difficult until you get into the routine, but since schools are out for this year, you have ample of time to adjust yourself and make it work.
Love,
Strugglingmum xxxx
